Who's going to the ACC Championship Game? Let's start with the Coastal Division standings, as they're pretty cut-and-dry. Virginia Tech would have to go out of its way to lose a trip to Charlotte, though it could be done. The Hokies play North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia, the first two on the road. A win by Miami would tighten things up, though Virginia Tech would still need to lose another. And the Hurricanes would need to also beat Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Thus, VPI's magic number is two.
In the Atlantic, everybody but Boston College and Wake Forest is still very much in the running. Sigh. Florida State holds at least a half-game edge on everybody, but would lose a tie with N.C. State. If they beat Clemson and Maryland, they're in.
The Wolfpack might have the easiest remaining schedule among Atlantic contenders: Wake Forest, UNC, and Maryland. Which brings us to Maryland. Losing a squeaker today against Miami, the Terrapins may have the toughest road left, drawing Virginia, Florida State, and N.C. State. They would lose a tie with Clemson. Which brings us to Clemson.
Despite starting the season 2-3, the Tigers have a tiebreaker edge on both N.C. State and Maryland, and can overtake FSU if they beat the Noles next week. After that, they get a gimme against Wake.
So who's winning the Atlantic? I guess we have to go with Florida State for now, but next week's prime time game between the Tigers and Noles will clear things up considerably. Lord knows we need it.